Shoulder Dystocia

New Jersey Shoulder Dystocia Attorneys

Advocating for Birth Injury Victims and their Families across New Jersey

The birth of your child is a miraculous event; however, it is also a serious medical procedure with extraordinarily high stakes for both mother and child. The potential for complications during delivery is an ever-present reality, which is why it is essential for the doctors and medical professionals to continuously monitor the mother and child and to implement swift procedures if threats to their health arise. One such potential complication during child birth is known as shoulder dystocia, a condition that presents when one or both of the child’s shoulders becomes trapped behind the mother’s pubic bone. In these situations, doctors must immediately identify and respond with one of the multiple maneuvers that can be used to correct the issue and to avoid serious injuries to the child. Failure to perform necessary maneuvers, or the use of incorrect technique, can spell devastating consequences and made provide grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

At Fronzuto Law Group, our highly knowledgeable attorneys serve as tireless advocates for birth injury victims and their families across New Jersey. Our extensive experience encompasses both medical and pediatric malpractice cases involving mothers and children who have suffered due to the negligence of medical professionals. Having represented hundreds of families and recovered millions of dollars in damages, including a recent recovery of $3.825 million on behalf of a young child who suffered an anoxic brain injury after a physician failed to diagnose and treat infant respiratory distress, we have the resources and the skill to achieve just compensation for you. To discuss your case with one of our legal professionals today, contact our offices at 973-435-4551 or toll free at 888-409-0816. You can also contact us online for additional information.

Shoulder Dystocia: The Basics

As mentioned previously, shoulder dystocia is a serious medical complication that occurs during child birth when the child becomes “stuck” behind the mother’s pubic bone. Recent research indicates that shoulder dystocia occurs in between 0.2 and 3 percent of births. Upon identifying this situation, doctors must immediately respond with one of several maneuvers in order to correct the issue and ensure a safe delivery. Failure to perform the necessary maneuvers, or errors during the performance of necessary maneuvers, particularly the application of excessive force, may result in a number of serious injuries to the child, including: brachial plexus injuries, contusions, lacerations, bone fractures, fetal asphyxia, Erb’s Palsy, Cerebral Palsy, or in the worst cases, even death.

Brachial plexus injuries are often associated with shoulder dystocia and may result from the excessive application of downward force on the child’s head and neck as the attending physician attempts to correct the dystocia. This excessive force may adversely impact the brachial plexus nerves that control the shoulder, arm, wrist, hand and/or fingers. In severe cases, brachial plexus injuries may result in conditions such as Erb’s Palsy or Klumpke’s Palsy, as well as functional deficits in the arm, shoulder, hand, wrist, or finger. According to recent data, up to 30 percent of brachial plexus injuries result in permanent neurological impairment.

Fetal asphyxia may also occur as a result of medical malpractice in cases of shoulder dystocia. Fetal asphyxia is a life-threatening complication wherein the child is deprived of oxygen. Lack of blood and oxygen supply to the brain may cause severe brain damage and/or conditions such as Cerebral Palsy.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Dystocia

Although shoulder dystocia is a relatively rare birth complication, there are certain risk factors that significantly increase the potential for shoulder dystocia. Awareness of the risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia is essential in order for healthcare professionals to proactively address this issue. The following signs and symptoms have been associated with an increased incidence of shoulder dystocia:

If your child has suffered an injury associated with shoulder dystocia and you suspect that medical malpractice may have contributed to said injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, rehabilitative treatment, and pain and suffering. Contact Fronzuto Law Group at 973-435-4551 or toll free at 888-409-0816 to discuss your case with one of our seasoned birth injury lawyers free of charge.

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Our renowned attorneys represent victims of medical malpractice, pediatric malpractice, birth injuries, and dangerous or defective products in Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Essex County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County, New Jersey.